Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma: 7 Physical Indicators

Niki Gelekis • Sep 27, 2024

Trauma isn’t just a psychological experience; it impacts the body profoundly. While you may process and manage the emotional aspects of trauma, the physical effects often linger within muscles, organs, and even the nervous system. Sometimes, these effects remain dormant for years before your body begins to release the stored trauma. Recognising these signs can provide crucial insight into your healing journey.

The process of healing from trauma is not solely a mental or emotional endeavour—it’s also profoundly physical. When your body starts to release trauma, it can manifest in various ways, reflecting the intricate connection between your mind and body.

Understanding the signs your body is releasing trauma is an empowering step in acknowledging your progress while providing you with the necessary tools to support your recovery.

Muscle Tension and Tremors

One of the earliest physical signs that your body releases trauma may be felt in the muscles. Trauma often manifests as chronic muscle tension, with stress stored deep within your body’s tissues. This tension may be particularly noticeable in the neck, shoulders, and back, where many people tend to carry their stress.

As the body begins to heal, you may experience spontaneous shaking or tremors, which is the body’s way of physically releasing this pent-up tension. This shaking can happen during yoga, meditation, or even after a stressful event as the body tries to reset itself.

While it can feel disconcerting, this process is entirely normal. Body-based therapies like somatic experiencing or trauma-sensitive yoga often encourage these natural releases, helping the nervous system discharge excess energy and stress.

Physical signs of trauma release in the muscles include:

Persistent stiffness in the shoulders, neck, or jaw.
Uncontrolled shaking or tremors, especially in moments of relaxation or rest.
A feeling of warmth or tingling after massage, acupuncture, or therapeutic bodywork.

Unexplained Aches and Pains

Another common manifestation of trauma is psychosomatic pain—physical pain that doesn’t have a direct medical explanation. This pain can appear in different parts of the body, often where emotional tension has been stored for long periods. For example, the back, neck, and joints may develop chronic pain as a result of carrying emotional trauma.

Interestingly, as you begin the process of releasing trauma, these aches and pains may start to shift. Some people notice pain moving from one area to another or gradually dissipating as they work through their trauma in therapy or other healing practices.

Typical areas for psychosomatic pain include:

A tense, tight lower back.
Persistent headaches or migraines.
Muscle aches in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

If the pain eases or changes, it can strongly indicate that your body is healing and that stored emotional energy is being released.

Digestive Issues

The gut and brain share an intricate connection known as the gut-brain axis, meaning that emotional trauma can often wreak havoc on your digestive system. Stress, anxiety, and trauma can all manifest as physical symptoms in the stomach, such as nausea, cramps, or changes in appetite.

When the body begins to release trauma, digestive upset may occur as the nervous system recalibrates. While these issues can be uncomfortable, they are often signs that more profound healing is taking place and that the body is working to restore balance.

Common digestive symptoms linked to trauma include:

Unexplained nausea or stomach cramps.
Fluctuations in appetite, such as sudden hunger or lack of interest in food.
Bloating or discomfort that arises during stressful situations.

As your body releases trauma, these digestive symptoms may eventually diminish.

Breathing Changes

Breath is often a mirror of our emotional state. People who have experienced trauma may adopt irregular breathing patterns, such as shallow breaths or holding their breath, as part of their body’s response to stress. This is an automatic reaction to fear or anxiety, and over time it can become a habitual way of breathing.

As trauma begins to release, you may notice changes in your breathing. Yawning, deep sighs, or the need to take deep, deliberate breaths can be indicators that your body is letting go of tension. Breathwork and mindfulness exercises can facilitate this process and support your body in its healing.

Breathing patterns that suggest trauma release:

Spontaneous yawning or deep breaths, even when not feeling tired.
A noticeable change in breath control, such as easier or fuller breathing.
Hyperventilation or quickened breath during moments of emotional intensity.

Breathing deeply and mindfully can help release stored trauma, making the body more balanced.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Trauma often disrupts sleep, leading to insomnia, frequent waking, or nightmares. When the brain processes unresolved emotional issues, these can appear as vivid dreams or night terrors. As the trauma begins to release, you may notice changes in your sleep patterns, such as more restful sleep or fewer nightmares.

Sleep disruptions are expected when the nervous system works through deep emotional healing. Although you may experience temporary disturbances, like waking up during the night or having intense dreams, these are typically part of the trauma-release process. Over time, your sleep is likely to improve.

Signs your sleep patterns may be linked to trauma release:

Disturbing dreams or nightmares followed by a sense of emotional relief upon waking.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep during periods of emotional processing.
Gradual improvements in sleep quality as emotional burdens are lifted.

Establishing a consistent sleep routine, along with calming bedtime rituals, can help improve sleep quality as your body works through trauma.

Increased Sensitivity to Surroundings

Heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, such as light, sound, or touch, can be another sign that your body is releasing trauma. During periods of emotional processing, the nervous system can become overstimulated, making you more susceptible to sensory overload. This may manifest as discomfort in brightly lit environments, irritation with loud noises, or even sensitivity to being touched.

This heightened awareness is often temporary, but it can be overwhelming. Grounding techniques, such as deep breathing, spending time in nature, or engaging in calming activities, can help manage these sensitivities.

Symptoms of sensory sensitivity during trauma release include:

Discomfort with loud noises or bright lights.
Feeling overwhelmed in crowded or busy environments.
Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes.

Grounding yourself through mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help ease these temporary sensitivities as your body works through the trauma.

Conclusion

The release of trauma is a profound and deeply personal process. Recognising the signs your body is releasing trauma allows you to understand the physical and emotional shifts happening within you. These signs are indicators that your body is healing and working through stored stress, anxiety, and past experiences.

Although the process can be challenging, it is a necessary step toward emotional freedom and long-term well-being. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the symptoms, seeking support from a professional trauma therapist can provide the guidance you need.

Ultimately, releasing trauma is a positive and empowering step on your path to healing. With time, patience, and self-compassion, your body can release the weight of the past, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Trauma Release Cause Physical Symptoms?

Yes, releasing trauma often triggers physical symptoms such as muscle tension, aches, changes in breathing, digestive issues, and more. These reactions are the body’s way of processing and healing from the trauma.
What Happens After Trauma Release?

As you release trauma, you may feel more energised and active. This boost in energy can make it easier to take care of yourself, handle daily tasks, and enjoy social activities. After avoiding these things, you might also feel ready to return to work or spend time with friends.
What Is The Best Way To Release Trauma?

The best way to release trauma combines body-based therapies like somatic experiencing, yoga, and breathwork with emotional processing through trauma-informed therapy, such as EMDR or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Adding mindfulness, meditation, and creative outlets like journaling can further support emotional healing and trauma release.
How Long Do Trauma-release Symptoms Last?

The duration of trauma release symptoms varies from person to person. Some may experience short-term symptoms, while others may have longer-lasting physical or emotional reactions. It’s essential to allow the body to heal at its own pace and seek professional support if needed.
How Often Should You Do Trauma-release Exercises?

Trauma-release exercises should be done 2-3 times per week, adjusting the frequency based on how your body responds. It’s essential to pace yourself and seek professional guidance to ensure a sustainable healing process.